29/05/2014
Navigating the world of car rental can often feel like a maze of options, memberships, and loyalty programmes. For those who frequently hire vehicles, understanding and leveraging these programmes can significantly enhance the rental experience, transforming a potentially stressful process into a seamless one. National Car Rental’s Emerald Club is a prime example of such a programme, designed to reward its members with a host of benefits aimed at saving time and providing greater convenience. Whether you're a business traveller on a tight schedule or a leisure traveller looking to maximise your holiday, the Emerald Club offers a compelling proposition. This article will delve into what the Emerald Club is, how to become a member, how to locate your membership number, and the various advantages it confers upon its users, ensuring you get the most out of your next rental with National.
What is the Emerald Club?
The Emerald Club is the free loyalty programme offered by National Car Rental. Its primary purpose is to streamline the rental process and reward frequent customers. Membership grants access to a range of benefits, the most notable of which is the ability to bypass the rental counter and pick up your chosen vehicle directly from the Emerald Aisle (available at select locations). This feature alone can save a significant amount of time, especially during peak travel periods. Beyond the speed and convenience, Emerald Club members also benefit from expedited vehicle return, the ability to earn credits towards free rental days, and special members-only offers and discounts. It’s a system built around efficiency and customer appreciation, aiming to make every rental experience as smooth as possible.
Benefits of Emerald Club Membership
The advantages of joining the Emerald Club are manifold, catering to both the practical needs and the desire for recognition among frequent renters. Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits:
Bypass the Rental Counter with the Emerald Aisle
This is arguably the flagship benefit of the Emerald Club. At participating locations, Emerald Club members can head directly to the Emerald Aisle, a dedicated section of the car park where a selection of vehicles from various mid-size and full-size categories are available. Members can simply choose any vehicle on the Emerald Aisle and drive away. The final rental agreement reflects the price of the car class you reserved, regardless of the vehicle you select from the Aisle. This eliminates the need to wait in line at the counter, saving valuable time.
Earn Rental Credits
Every qualifying rental earns you credits. You can choose to earn either Emerald Club credits or frequent flyer miles/hotel points with one of National’s travel partners. Emerald Club credits can be redeemed for free rental days. The number of credits required for a free day varies depending on the location and the length of the rental. Typically, you need 7 credits for a free weekday rental day and 8 credits for a free weekend rental day at most locations, though this can vary.
Faster Returns
Emerald Club members can also benefit from expedited vehicle returns. At many locations, there are dedicated return lanes for Emerald Club members, allowing for a quicker drop-off.
Members-Only Offers and Discounts
As an Emerald Club member, you’ll often receive exclusive offers, discounts, and promotions directly from National Car Rental. These can include reduced rates, upgrades, or bonus credit offers, further enhancing the value of your membership.
Vehicle Preferences and Profile Management
You can manage your preferences within your Emerald Club profile, such as preferred vehicle types, payment methods, and even communication preferences. This helps National tailor your rental experience.
How to Join the Emerald Club
Joining the Emerald Club is a straightforward and, importantly, free process. You can enrol online through the National Car Rental website or sign up at any National Car Rental location. Here’s how:
Online Enrolment
1. Visit the official National Car Rental website (nationalcar.com). 2. Look for the “Emerald Club” section, usually prominently displayed on the homepage or within the main navigation menu. 3. Click on the “Join Now” or “Sign Up” button. 4. You will be prompted to fill out a registration form. This will typically require your name, address, contact information (email and phone number), and you’ll create a password for your account. 5. During the enrolment process, you may be asked if you wish to receive communications from National. You can select your preferences. 6. Once you submit the form, your membership is activated. You should receive a confirmation email with your Emerald Club number.
In-Person Enrolment
If you prefer to sign up in person, you can do so at the counter when you pick up your next rental. Simply inform the rental agent that you wish to join the Emerald Club. They will guide you through the process and help you complete the necessary paperwork.
Finding Your Emerald Club Number
Your Emerald Club number is your unique identifier within the loyalty programme. It’s essential for earning credits and accessing member benefits. Fortunately, National makes it easy to find:
Logging into Your Account
The most straightforward way to find your Emerald Club number is by logging into your Emerald Club account on the National Car Rental website (nationalcar.com). Once logged in, your membership number is typically displayed prominently on your account dashboard or profile page. It’s often referred to as your “Emerald Club Number” or “Member ID”.
If You Don’t Have an Online Login
If you haven’t yet set up an online login for your account, or if you can’t recall your login details, you have a couple of options:
- Visit a National Location: You can approach a rental agent at any National Car Rental branch. They can look up your membership details using your name or other identifying information and provide you with your Emerald Club number.
- Contact Member Services: You can call National Car Rental’s Member Services. For location-specific contact information, it’s best to visit their “Member Services Contact Us Page” on the nationalcar.com website. They will be able to assist you in retrieving your member number after verifying your identity.
Ensuring Your Emerald Club Number is on Your Reservation
To guarantee that you receive all the benefits associated with your Emerald Club membership for a specific rental, it’s crucial to ensure your membership number is linked to your reservation. Here’s how to do it:
Booking Online
The most reliable method is to always log in to your Emerald Club account on nationalcar.com before you begin the booking process. When you are logged in, your Emerald Club number is automatically attached to the reservation. This ensures that when you arrive at the rental location, your membership details are already in the system, allowing you to proceed directly to the Emerald Aisle or benefit from other member services.
Adding to an Existing Reservation
If you have an existing reservation and forgot to log in or add your number, you can usually add it by managing your reservation online or by contacting National Car Rental directly. However, it’s always best practice to ensure it’s included at the time of booking to avoid any potential issues or missed benefits.
At the Rental Counter
If you are not booking online, you can provide your Emerald Club number to the rental agent when you make your reservation or when you pick up the car. However, this is the least preferred method as it increases the chance of errors or omissions compared to the automated online process.
Emerald Club vs. Other Rental Loyalty Programs
While many car rental companies offer loyalty programmes, the Emerald Club stands out due to its focus on counter bypass and choice. Many programs might offer discounts or points, but the tangible time-saving benefit of the Emerald Aisle is a significant differentiator. Let’s consider a brief comparison:
| Feature | Emerald Club (National) | Other Major Programmes (Examples) |
|---|---|---|
| Counter Bypass | Yes (Emerald Aisle at select locations) | Varies; some offer expedited check-in, others counter bypass with specific car classes. |
| Vehicle Choice | Yes (Choose from Emerald Aisle) | Often assigns a specific vehicle or offers upgrades at a premium. |
| Earning Currency | Rental Credits (free days), Partner Miles/Points | Points for free rentals, upgrades, partner miles/points. |
| Ease of Use | High, especially when logged in before booking. | Generally good, but processes can differ significantly. |
| Cost | Free | Typically free, though some premium tiers may exist. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is the Emerald Club really free?
Yes, membership in the Emerald Club is completely free. There are no joining fees or annual charges.
Q2: Can I use my Emerald Club number if I book through a third-party website?
While you can often add your Emerald Club number to a reservation made through a third-party travel agent or website, it’s not always guaranteed to be processed correctly. For the most reliable experience and to ensure all benefits are applied, it is highly recommended to book directly on nationalcar.com and log in to your Emerald Club account beforehand.
Q3: What happens if the car I want on the Emerald Aisle is not the class I reserved?
You can choose any vehicle on the Emerald Aisle, regardless of its original class. Your rental agreement will be based on the price of the car class you originally reserved, meaning you won't pay more for choosing a higher-class vehicle from the Aisle.
Q4: Do my Emerald Club credits expire?
Emerald Club credits generally do not expire as long as your account remains active with at least one qualifying rental activity within a three-year period. It’s always a good idea to check the specific terms and conditions on the National Car Rental website for the most up-to-date information regarding credit expiration.
Q5: How quickly do I earn credits after a rental?
Credits are typically posted to your account within 24 hours after the completion of your rental. However, it can sometimes take a few days depending on the volume of transactions.
Conclusion
The National Car Rental Emerald Club is an invaluable asset for anyone who rents cars regularly. By offering a free membership that prioritises speed, convenience, and choice, it significantly enhances the rental experience. From bypassing the rental counter to earning free rental days, the benefits are clear. Remember to always log in to your account before booking to ensure your membership is seamlessly integrated into your reservation. Understanding how to find your number and making sure it’s attached to your bookings are key steps to unlocking the full potential of this rewarding loyalty programme. So, the next time you need to rent a car, make sure you’re part of the Emerald Club and experience a truly streamlined journey.
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